Jonathan Walker

[Logistics UK @LogisticsUKNews]

Today’s (4 October 2023) announcement of the cancellation of the #HS2 extension, between Birmingham and Manchester, damages investor confidence and harms the development of the national logistics network that the UK needs to thrive, according to business group Logistics UK.

Responding to the announcement made today at the @Conservatives Party Conference in Manchester, Logistics UK’s policy director Kate Jennings expressed the disappointment of the group’s members at the news of the cancellation:

“HS2 was a vital plan to unlock economic growth across the UK – the additional capacity across the rail network which it would have released was critical to expanding rail freight opportunities and enabling a shift from road to rail to cut carbon emissions. Putting high speed trains on the existing line between Birmingham and Manchester will make today’s rail freight capacity issues even worse.

“Logistics businesses need detailed confirmation that the funding previously ringfenced for the construction of the Birmingham-Manchester stretch of HS2 will be reallocated to upgrading transport links across the UK, including across the north of England and the Midlands. This cancellation is a huge disappointment to businesses keen to reduce their environmental impact and reduce road congestion while still delivering for customers.

“Logistics is the lifeblood of the economy, supporting all parts of the UK PLC, and deserves effective, nationwide infrastructure to enable fast, efficient deliveries. On behalf of our members, we are urging government to confirm its plans for the infrastructure investment needed to smooth the transition to Net Zero, deliver a national logistics network and capitalise on an opportunity recently identified by Oxford Economics to boost UK growth by up to £7.9 billion per year.”

#CPC2023 #CPC23

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

@Graemewhitfield The old ones are the best

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

@ArlenPettitt This. Absolutely baffled by the thinking that says people who still struggle after 12 years of maths will somehow be fixed by 2 more. But maybe that's my own numeracy skills letting me down. Consider me embarrassed

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

@ArlenPettitt The lack of dog at our last coffee makes me feel very much like a second class citizen

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

Taking to the airwaves for the first time at @LogisticsUKNews shortly to discuss #LevellingUpFund and what it means for infrastructure with @LBCNews

Here's what we said about it earlier:
https://t.co/dVya4i2ZJW

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

@Clare_CFG T-shirt weather

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

So, what prompted you to get a job in infrastructure policy?

Well…

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

After a relatively short but brilliant time working with a great team, today is my last day @CILEXLawyers before I take up a fantastic role with Logistics UK

Looking forward to getting stuck back into business and transport policy, so if that's your thing then watch this space

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

@ArlenPettitt That's not my policy?

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

Suppose this is what questionable billions buy you

[Middlesbrough FC @Boro]

A statement from the club 👇 #UTB
https://t.co/llNdzM9WbR

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

All this Chelsea furore has pushed me to about a 9.7 on my gutted-I-can’t-be-there-o-meter

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

There isn’t a violin small enough for this

[Daily Mail Sport @MailSport]

Chelsea boss Tuchel confirms his team CANNOT fly to Middlesbrough and face a gruelling 10-hour round-trip coach journey https://t.co/wI3SpeFHOw

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

@JustRossSmith With extreme reluctance (and obviously with no vested interest whatsoever) I request that they withdraw from the competition if they don’t like it

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

The stats aren’t even proving my point, which is the least you’d think they could do

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

Less than four weeks after leaving the world of regional policy here I am again looking at local labour market statistics

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

Left on my own today to construct a ‘Rapunzel’ themed cake for my daughter’s birthday party tomorrow

Wish me luck

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

Hmmm

[Jonathan Walker @HelloJWalker]

Last day @NEEChamber today and resisting the temptation to sign off with a long thread on regional inequalities. Instead I'll just say thanks and pay tribute to an incredible team who are hugely passionate about this part of the world and are pretty great people too